Commuting bad for your health

Commuting to work in an office is also bad for your health.

NineShifter Jeff Kart sent us this Detroit News story by Eric M. Weiss.

  "Besides taking time away from family, a long commute can be harmful to your health. Researchers have found that hours spent behind the wheel raise blood pressure and cause workers to get sick and stay home more often. Commuters have lower thresholds for frustration at work, suffer more headaches and chest pains, and more often display negative moods at home in the evenings. Carpool passengers deal with what they call Mustang neck or Beetle neck -- the contortions they make to wedge themselves into the back seats of certain cars."

Comments

[Suzanne]

Betty N.:

I don't know if you'll be checking back here, but don't give up trying to find a job closer to home. Life is too short to settle for a job that takes that kind of toll on you!

There have been several times in my career that I thought "Oh I could never do (or afford) to do that." But then I did. 1) I was able to find a part-time job in marketing when my kids were babies (up until then I thought only clerical staff could find part time work). 2) And more recently I got a tele-commuting job (up until now I figured those were only for the few lucky people).

I would start sending out your resumes today. You can always turn down a job, but that dream job of yours may be out there waiting for you. It could be yours for the taking!

[Mary Rodriguez]

I listen to NPR when I drive to and from work. Then I don't have to read the paper.I enjoy most of the programming. I also listen to audio books when NPR is not available.
I get off the interstate when it is congested and take local roads. This is less stressful. I am in the car at least 1-11/2 hrs. each way. I believe you need to find positive ways to use your time becuase I cannot change it. I have tried!

[Betty N.]

I drive between 1 1/2 to 3 hours one way to work everyday. I have high blood pressure, and heart problems. I have no doubt that my long commute is a major part of the problem. I know I chose to move far away from work but everyday it gets worse. My attitude stinks, I am constantly frustrated, both at work and at home. I get home and my husband wants to talk and spend time with me, and all I want to do is go to bed, or watch TV, or read. I want no contact with anyone. I pray I can win the Lotto, not a lot, just enough to pay off our credit cards and put some money in the bank. I wouldn't be able to retire, but I could look for a job closer to home that has insurance. I totally agree that long commutes do cause major health and attitude problems. I know it's true in my case.